Power control in a medical ventilator

Abstract

A ventilator that is small, lightweight, and portable, yet capable of being quickly adapted to operate in a plurality of different modes and configurations to deliver a variety of therapies to a patient. A porting system having a plurality of sensors structured to monitor a number of parameters with respect to the flow of gas, and a number of porting blocks is used to reconfigure the ventilator so that it operates as a single-limb or dual limb ventilator. In the single-limb configuration, an active or passive exhaust assembly can be provided proximate to the patient. The ventilator is capable of operate in a volume or pressure support mode, even in a single-limb configuration. In addition, a power control mechanism controls the supply of power to the ventilator from an AC power source, a lead acid battery, an internal rechargeable battery pack, and a detachable battery pack.

1 . A ventilator comprising:
 a housing including an interior and an exterior;   a first power connection being electrically connectable to an alternating current (AC) power source;   a second power connection being electrically connectable to a lead acid battery;   an internal rechargeable battery pack disposed within the interior of the housing;   a detachable battery pack removably coupled to the exterior of the housing; and   a power control mechanism structured to control the supply of power to the ventilator from a corresponding at least one of the AC power source, the lead acid battery, the internal rechargeable battery pack, and the detachable battery pack.   
     
     
         2 . The ventilator of  claim 1 , wherein the power control mechanism includes a charger, and wherein, when the first power connection of the ventilator is connected to the AC power source and at least one of the internal rechargeable battery pack and the detachable battery pack is less than fully charged, the charger recharges the at least one of the internal rechargeable battery pack and the detachable battery pack from the AC power source. 
     
     
         3 . The ventilator of  claim 1 , wherein the internal rechargeable battery pack and the detachable battery pack together provide sufficient power to operate the ventilator for at least 4 hours. 
     
     
         4 . The ventilator of  claim 1 , wherein, when the first power connection of the ventilator is connected to the AC power source, the power control mechanism causes power to be supplied to the ventilator from the AC power source, wherein, when the first power connection is not electrically connected to the AC power source and the second power connection is electrically connected to the lead acid battery, the power control mechanism causes power to be supplied to the ventilator from the lead acid battery, wherein, when the first power connection is not electrically connected to the AC power source the second power connection is not electrically connected to the lead acid battery, and the detachable battery pack is electrically connected to the ventilator and charged to greater than 10 percent of its maximum capacity, the power control mechanism causes power to be supplied to the ventilator from the detachable battery pack, wherein, when the first power connection is not electrically connected to the AC power source, the second power connection is not electrically connected to the lead acid battery, the detachable battery pack is one of: (a) not electrically connected to the ventilator, and (b) discharged to less than 10 percent of its maximum capacity, and the internal rechargeable battery pack is charged to greater than 10 percent of its maximum capacity, the power control mechanism causes power to be supplied to the ventilator from the internal rechargeable battery pack, and wherein, when the first power connection is not electrically connected to the AC power source, the second power connection is not electrically connected to the lead acid battery, the detachable battery pack has a measured capacity of less than 10 percent, and the internal rechargeable battery pack has a measured capacity of less than 10 percent, the power control mechanism causes power to be supplied to the ventilator from both the internal rechargeable battery pack and the detachable battery pack. 
     
     
         5 . The ventilator of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior of the housing of the ventilator includes an exterior surface and a cavity extending inwardly from the exterior surface, and wherein the detachable battery pack comprises:
 an enclosure insertable into the cavity on the exterior surface of the housing of the ventilator, the enclosure including a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first side, and a second side,   a number of batteries enclosed by the enclosure,   an electrical connector electrically connected to the number of batteries, the electrical connector electrically connecting the detachable battery pack to the power control mechanism of the ventilator, and   at least one fastening mechanism removably coupling the enclosure of the detachable battery pack to the housing of the ventilator at or about the cavity of the housing, wherein the cavity, the detachable battery pack, or both are configured such that the detachable battery pack will only fit within the cavity in one predetermined orientation.   
     
     
         6 . The ventilator of  claim 5 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator includes a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity, and an arcuate portion, wherein the arcuate portion of the cavity is disposed at or about the second end of the cavity, wherein the first side of the enclosure includes an arcuate portion disposed at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein the arcuate portion of the enclosure corresponds to the arcuate portion of the cavity in order to facilitate insertion of the battery pack into the cavity in the predetermined orientation. 
     
     
         7 . The ventilator of  claim 5 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator has a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity of the housing of the ventilator, wherein the at least one fastening mechanism comprises a first protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the first end of the enclosure, and a second protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity of the housing of the ventilator in the appropriate orientation, the first protrusion engages the housing of the ventilator at or about the first end of the cavity, and the second protrusion engages the housing of the ventilator at or about the second end of the cavity, in order that the detachable battery pack snaps into the predetermined orientation and is secured within the cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The ventilator of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one fastening mechanism of the detachable battery pack further comprises a release mechanism disposed on the second side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is movably coupled to the release mechanism, in order that movement of the release mechanism results in a corresponding movement of the at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby disengaging the detachable battery pack from the housing of the ventilator. 
     
     
         9 . The ventilator of  claim 5 , wherein, when the enclosure of the detachable battery pack is disposed in the predetermined orientation within the cavity of the housing of the ventilator, the second side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack is substantially flush with respect to the exterior surface of the housing of the ventilator adjacent the cavity. 
     
     
         10 . The ventilator of  claim 5 , wherein the housing of the ventilator further includes an electrical connector disposed within the cavity of the housing of the ventilator, wherein the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack is disposed on the first side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity in the predetermined orientation, the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack aligns with and electrically connects to the electrical connector of the ventilator. 
     
     
         11 . A method of operating a ventilator comprising:
 (a) providing a plurality of available sources of power, the sources of power comprising:
 (1) an AC connector selectively connectable to an alternating current (AC) power source, 
 (2) a lead acid battery connector selectively connectable to a lead acid battery, 
 (3) an internal rechargeable battery pack, and 
 (4) at least one detachable battery pack selectively attachable to and detachable from the ventilator; 
   (b) providing power to the ventilator from at least one of the available sources of power; and   (c) operating the ventilator using the power.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , the step of providing power comprising:
 (a) determining if the AC connector is electrically connected to the AC power source,
 (1) if yes, supplying power to the ventilator from the AC power source through the AC connector, 
 (2) if no, proceeding to step (b), 
   (b) determining if the lead acid battery connector is electrically connected to the lead acid battery,
 (1) if yes, supplying power to the ventilator from the lead acid battery through the lead acid battery connector, 
 (2) if no, proceeding to step (c), 
   (c) determining if the at least one detachable battery pack is electrically connected to the ventilator,
 (1) if no, supplying power to the ventilator from the internal rechargeable battery pack, 
 (2) if yes, proceeding to step (d), 
   (d) determining if the at least one detachable battery pack has a measured capacity of greater than a predetermined minimum threshold,
 (1) if yes, supplying power to the ventilator from the at least one detachable battery pack, and 
 (2) if no, supplying power to the ventilator from both the internal rechargeable battery pack and the at least one detachable battery pack, on a predetermined shared basis. 
   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising repeating step (a) of determining if the AC connector is electrically connected to the AC power source. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein if the AC connector is electrically connected to the AC power source, the method further comprises:
 determining if each of the internal rechargeable battery pack and the at least one detachable battery pack is fully charged,   charging the internal rechargeable battery pack using the AC power source if it is not already fully charged, and   charging the at least one detachable battery pack using the AC power source if it is not already fully charged.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 providing as the at least one detachable battery pack, a plurality of detachable battery packs,   electrically connecting a corresponding one of the detachable battery packs to the ventilator,   operating the ventilator using the corresponding one of the detachable battery packs until the measured capacity of the corresponding one of the detachable battery packs falls below a predetermined threshold, and   replacing the corresponding one of the detachable battery packs with another one of the detachable battery packs having a measured capacity above the predetermined threshold.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising repeating the step of replacing the corresponding one of the detachable battery packs. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the ventilator includes a housing having an exterior surface and a cavity extending inwardly from the exterior surface; wherein the at least one detachable battery pack includes an enclosure having a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first side, and a second side; and wherein the method further comprises inserting the at least one detachable battery pack into the cavity of the housing of the ventilator in a predetermined orientation until the second side of the enclosure of the at least one detachable battery pack is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the housing of the ventilator adjacent the cavity. 
     
     
         18 . A ventilator comprising:
 (a) a housing having an exterior surface and a cavity extending inwardly from the exterior surface; and   (b) a detachable battery pack comprising:
 (1) an enclosure insertable into the cavity, the enclosure including a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first side, and a second side, 
 (2) a number of batteries enclosed by the enclosure, 
 (3) an electrical connector electrically connected to the number of batteries, the electrical connector electrically connecting the detachable battery pack to the ventilator in order to provide power to the ventilator, and 
 (4) at least one fastening mechanism removably coupling the enclosure of the detachable battery pack to the housing of the ventilator, wherein the detachable battery pack will only fit within the cavity in one predetermined orientation. 
   
     
     
         19 . The ventilator of  claim 18 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator includes a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity, and an arcuate portion, wherein the arcuate portion of the cavity is disposed at or about the second end of the cavity, wherein the first side of the enclosure includes an arcuate portion disposed at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein the arcuate portion of the enclosure corresponds to the arcuate portion of the cavity in order to facilitate insertion of the battery pack into the cavity in the predetermined orientation. 
     
     
         20 . The ventilator of  claim 18 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator has a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity, wherein the at least one fastening mechanism of the detachable battery pack comprises a first protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the first end of the enclosure, and a second protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity of the housing of the ventilator in the appropriate orientation, the first protrusion engages the housing of the ventilator at or about the first end of the cavity, and the second protrusion engages the housing of the ventilator at or about the second end of the cavity, in order that the detachable battery pack snaps into the predetermined orientation and is secured within the cavity. 
     
     
         21 . The ventilator of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one fastening mechanism of the detachable battery pack further comprises a release mechanism disposed on the second side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is movably coupled to the release mechanism, in order that movement of the release mechanism results in a corresponding movement of the at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby disengaging the detachable battery pack from the housing of the ventilator. 
     
     
         22 . The ventilator of  claim 18 , wherein, when the enclosure of the detachable battery pack is disposed in the predetermined orientation within the cavity of the housing of the ventilator, the second side of the enclosure is substantially flush with respect to the exterior surface of the housing adjacent the cavity. 
     
     
         23 . The ventilator of  claim 18 , wherein the housing of the ventilator further includes an electrical connector disposed within the cavity, wherein the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack is disposed on the first side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity of the housing of the ventilator in the predetermined orientation, the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack aligns with and electrically connects to the electrical connector of the ventilator. 
     
     
         24 . A detachable battery pack for a ventilator, the ventilator including a housing having an exterior surface and a cavity extending inwardly from the exterior surface, the detachable battery pack comprising:
 an enclosure structured to be inserted into the cavity, the enclosure including a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first side, and a second side;   a number of batteries enclosed by the enclosure;   an electrical connector electrically connected to the number of batteries, the electrical connector being structured to electrically connect the detachable battery pack to the ventilator in order to provide power to the ventilator; and   at least one fastening mechanism structured to removably couple the enclosure to the housing, wherein the cavity, the enclosure, or both are configured such that the detachable battery pack will only fit within the cavity in one predetermined orientation.   
     
     
         25 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator has a first shape, wherein the first side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack has a second shape, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity in the predetermined orientation, the second shape of the enclosure is structured to correspond with the first shape of the housing, in order that the detachable battery pack is nested within the cavity. 
     
     
         26 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator includes a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity, and an arcuate portion, wherein the arcuate portion of the cavity is disposed at or about the second end of the cavity, wherein the first side of the enclosure includes an arcuate portion disposed at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein the arcuate portion of the enclosure corresponds to the arcuate portion of the cavity in order to facilitate insertion of the battery pack into the cavity in the predetermined orientation. 
     
     
         27 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein the cavity of the housing of the ventilator has a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cavity, wherein the at least one fastening mechanism comprises a first protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the first end of the enclosure, and a second protrusion extending outwardly from the enclosure of the detachable battery pack at or about the second end of the enclosure, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity in the appropriate orientation, the first protrusion is structured to engage the housing at or about the first end of the cavity, and the second protrusion is structured to engage the housing at or about the second end of the cavity, in order that the detachable battery pack snaps into the predetermined orientation and is secured within the cavity. 
     
     
         28 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one fastening mechanism further comprises a release mechanism disposed on the second side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is movably coupled to the release mechanism, in order that movement of the release mechanism results in a corresponding movement of the at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby disengaging the detachable battery pack from the housing of the ventilator. 
     
     
         29 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein, when the enclosure is disposed in the predetermined orientation within the cavity, the second side of the enclosure is structured to be substantially flush with respect to the exterior surface of the housing adjacent the cavity. 
     
     
         30 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein the enclosure further include a charge indicator structured to indicate the measured capacity of the number of batteries. 
     
     
         31 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 30 , wherein the charge indicator comprises a plurality of LEDs electrically connected to the number of batteries, and wherein the number of batteries illuminate a number of the LEDs corresponding to the measured capacity of the number of the detachable battery pack. 
     
     
         32 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein the ventilator further includes an electrical connector disposed within the cavity of the housing, wherein the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack is disposed on the first side of the enclosure of the detachable battery pack, and wherein, when the detachable battery pack is inserted into the cavity in the predetermined orientation, the electrical connector of the detachable battery pack is structured to align with and electrically connect to the electrical connector of the ventilator. 
     
     
         33 . The detachable battery pack of  claim 24 , wherein each of the number of batteries is a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and wherein the detachable battery pack is rechargeable.